Potter waives preliminary hearing, next court date April 2

Kirksville man accused of murder will need to enter pleas to various charges in Adair County Circuit Court next month.

Jason Hunsicker/@JHunsicker_KDE

A Kirksville man facing murder charges waived his preliminary hearing Thursday at the Adair County Courthouse, moving proceedings to the circuit court level in April.

Paul R. Potter, 49, is facing first-degree murder and other charges connected to allegations he stabbed, killed and dismembered his neighbor, Willis Edward Meredith, of Kirksville, in January. His preliminary hearing had originally been scheduled for Feb. 21, but was continued to March 8 due to a winter storm.

That hearing was also continued, to April 12, when Potter's attorney, Kevin Locke, said his client was not fit to appear. Adair County Prosecuting Attorney indicated at the time the state would file documents under Mo. Revised Statute chapter 552. The chapter is titled “Criminal Proceedings Involving Mental Illness” and details steps in arguing whether a defendant is able to understand the proceedings and assist in his or her defense. The filing would seek an independent review to determine Potter’s mental capacity to stand trial.

On Thursday, Potter waived his right to the preliminary hearing, which in turn moved his case to the Adair County Circuit Court where on April 2 he will be arraigned on first-degree murder, armed criminal action, first-degree tampering with a motor vehicle, second-degree arson and first-degree burglary charges. The latter charge stems from Potter allegedly illegally entering Meredith’s home to commit murder.

It will be the first time Potter has needed to enter a plea in his case.

Future court dates would be scheduled at that time.

Attorneys for the state and defense are prevented from discussing details of the case with the media after a motion filed by Locke on March 8.